What happened
During the final approach phase at Arlit Airport, the flight crew encountered a sandstorm that resulted in the loss of visual contact with the runway. Because the visibility was compromised, the aircraft descended to an altitude that was too low, leading to an impact with the ground before reaching the threshold of the runway.
Upon striking the terrain, the landing gear was ripped from the airframe. The aircraft then slid for several dozen meters across the surface before the movement ceased. While the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss, there were no injuries among the 10 people on board.
Findings
- The primary factor in the incident was the sandstorm which prevented the crew from maintaining visual reference with the runway markings.